The Georgia Aquarium is the largest by volume, but size depends on how you measure
The Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta holds the title of largest aquarium in the world by total water volume—it contains 11 million gallons. That makes it bigger than any other single building designed to hold aquatic life. However, "biggest" can mean different things. If you measure by number of animals, by floor space, or by the variety of species on display, other aquariums rank differently. Understanding what makes the Georgia Aquarium large helps you decide whether it matches what you want to see.
The Georgia Aquarium opened in 2005 and was built specifically to hold that record. Its main tank alone—the one with whale sharks and manta rays—contains 6.3 million gallons of saltwater. No other single tank in a public aquarium holds more water than that one room.
Key Takeaways
- The Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta holds 11 million gallons of water, making it the largest aquarium by volume in the world.
- The main tank at the Georgia Aquarium contains 6.3 million gallons and is the largest single tank in any public aquarium.
- Other aquariums rank higher by different measures—the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium in Japan has more total species, and some facilities have more floor space.
- The Georgia Aquarium houses whale sharks, manta rays, beluga whales, and sea otters across multiple galleries and tanks.
How the Georgia Aquarium compares to other major aquariums
The Georgia Aquarium's 11 million gallons puts it ahead of the second-largest by volume, which is the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium in Japan at 7.5 million gallons. However, the Okinawa aquarium displays more species—over 70 different types of coral and more than 1,500 species of fish and other animals, compared to the Georgia Aquarium's roughly 100,000 individual animals across 500 species.
The Monterey Bay Aquarium in California and the Aquarium of the Pacific in Los Angeles are smaller by water volume but are known for their exhibits and research programs. The Aquarium of the Bay in San Francisco and the National Aquarium in Baltimore also draw large crowds, though neither holds as much water as Atlanta's facility.
If you are measuring by floor space rather than water volume, some aquariums occupy more building area. The point is that "biggest" is not a single answer—it depends on whether you care about total water, number of animals, species diversity, or the size of the building itself.
What animals live in the Georgia Aquarium's main tank
The 6.3-million-gallon main tank is the draw for most visitors. It is home to four whale sharks—the largest fish species in the world—along with manta rays, sea turtles, and hundreds of smaller fish. Whale sharks can grow to 40 feet long, and the tank is designed to give them enough space to swim naturally.
The whale sharks were transported to Atlanta from the Sea of Japan and have lived in the aquarium since it opened. They are fed a specialized diet of plankton and fish eggs multiple times a day. The tank also contains a sandy bottom and rocky areas to mimic the ocean environment these animals come from.
Other major exhibits at the Georgia Aquarium
Beyond the main tank, the Georgia Aquarium has several other large galleries. The Beluga Whale exhibit holds 4 million gallons and houses beluga whales, which are smaller than whale sharks but require significant space because they are highly social and active swimmers. The Cold Water Quest gallery focuses on animals from polar and cold-water regions.
The Tropical Diver gallery, River Scout gallery, and Ocean Voyager galleries each focus on different ecosystems and animal types. The aquarium also has a sea otter habitat, a jellyfish gallery, and interactive touch pools where visitors can handle starfish and other shallow-water animals. Each gallery uses its own water systems and filtration.
How the Georgia Aquarium maintains 11 million gallons of water
Keeping 11 million gallons clean and at the right temperature is a major operation. The aquarium uses a combination of mechanical filters, biological filters, and chemical treatment to remove waste and maintain water quality. The main tank's water is chilled to around 72 degrees Fahrenheit to match the tropical ocean environment where whale sharks live.
The facility employs a large team of aquarists—people trained to care for aquatic animals—who monitor water chemistry, feed the animals, and watch for signs of illness or stress. The aquarium also has a veterinary team on staff. Water changes happen regularly, though not all 11 million gallons are replaced at once; the system cycles water through filtration continuously.
Visiting the Georgia Aquarium: what to expect
The Georgia Aquarium is located in downtown Atlanta near the World of Coca-Cola and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights. It is open most days of the year, though hours vary by season. Admission is paid, and prices vary depending on whether you buy tickets online in advance or at the door.
The aquarium is large enough that most visitors spend two to four hours there. The main tank and whale shark exhibit are the most crowded areas, especially during midday and on weekends. Arriving early or visiting on a weekday morning typically means shorter lines and better views. The facility has a restaurant, a gift shop, and areas to rest, so you can spend a full day there if you choose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Georgia Aquarium bigger than the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium?
Yes, by water volume. The Georgia Aquarium holds 11 million gallons compared to Okinawa's 7.5 million gallons. However, the Okinawa aquarium displays more species and is known for its coral exhibits, so "bigger" depends on what you measure.
Can you touch the whale sharks at the Georgia Aquarium?
No. The whale sharks are in the main tank, which is viewed from behind thick acrylic panels. The aquarium does have touch pools in other areas where you can handle starfish and other shallow-water animals under staff supervision.
How long do whale sharks live in captivity?
Whale sharks in the wild can live 70 years or more, but their lifespan in captivity is not fully understood because few have been kept in aquariums. The Georgia Aquarium's whale sharks have lived there since 2005 and are monitored closely by veterinarians.
Is the Georgia Aquarium worth visiting if I have already been to other aquariums?
If you have not seen whale sharks or beluga whales in person, the Georgia Aquarium offers that experience. If you are interested in species diversity or specialized exhibits like jellyfish or river ecosystems, other aquariums may offer different focuses. It depends on what animals interest you most.
How much does it cost to visit the Georgia Aquarium?
Admission prices vary and change seasonally. Tickets purchased online in advance are usually cheaper than tickets bought at the door. The aquarium's website lists current prices and often has discounts for members, students, and military personnel.